Description: Orthologous genes are those genes found in different species that derive from a common ancestor, generally maintaining the same function throughout evolution. These genes are fundamental for understanding species evolution, as their conservation suggests they play essential roles in organisms. Orthologous genes are often identified through comparative analyses of genetic sequences, where similarity in DNA or protein sequences between different species is sought. This similarity can indicate that the genes have maintained their function despite evolutionary divergence. Orthologous genes are crucial in phylogenetic studies, where they are used to reconstruct evolutionary relationships between species. Additionally, their study allows scientists to infer functions of genes in less-studied organisms based on their homology with genes from model species. In summary, orthologous genes are a key component in evolutionary biology and bioinformatics, providing valuable information about genetic function and the evolutionary history of organisms.
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